The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-04-16
SOUTHERN IMPROVIDENCE.

erner which, under the regime of sla-
very was proverbial, though not so
marked trait now as formerly, still ex-
lists. Especially in the small economies,
people in this region fail. Many of them
even in good times live poorly and yet
wastefully. But when we consider this
subject in its broader significance and
bearing, We are forcibly struck with the
evil it entails upon both individuals and
the commonwealth.
During seasons OF plentiful crops,
enough bas been wasted to tide the peo-
pie over one or two years OF scanty re.
turns or Of actual famine. Planters have
been known to have much more produce
than their cribs could contain or than
could be sold, in seasons OF plenty. In
stead Of building new and extensive cribs,
which can be done at small cost, Slated
enclosure OF rough boards, with rude
cover being sufficient protection, they
would pile up their corn out of doors,
feed it out wastefully, leaving large
the next year crops would fail, or be very
poor. A second failure surely brought
them to want. A farmer from MISSISSIPPI
pi told us that she was never without
enough corn and wheat to last over the
second year," and the consequence has
been he has never had to buy an ear of
corn or any wheat, always having sur
plus on hand, enough to tide over any
emergency.
Slowly and painfully this lesson Of
wise forecast has got to be learned before
this comparatively new country will ever
be free from the danger of famine, or at
least of scant supplies.
In the matter of fuel, we have been
struck with the slip-shod way that many
persons have of getting on. A "jag" of
wood is dumped down in the street be-
fore the house. A few sticks are cut
enough to fry the bacon and bake the bis
cults. If the weather is mild, the fire on
the hearth is discontinued. Perhaps
chilly rain comes on, or a sudden norther
sweeps down. Then, If the man isn't at
hand, the mistress of the house has to go
out and cut enough fuel to make fire.
All this time it is quite likely that the
owner Of the premises has enough forest
land to supply the house with fuel for
years. In winter rains this shiftless habit
is most apparent in its uncomfortable ef-
fects. With wet wood and an open room,
houses slightly built and not impervious
to the water drip, one may we'll deprecate
this negligent, make-shift way Of living.
In the larger towns, however, where
there is some business enterprise, and
sprinkling of inhabitants from Northern
sections of the Union, better state of
things prevails.
With country Of such fertility and
climate so mild, there should be, even in
pioneer life less discomforts than there
are. A knowledge OF better methods and
the exercise Of more thrift in saving, as
well as in managing, would soon make
marked change for the better, even in the
newer portions Of this great southwestern
State.
Emigration from older States is indeed
the greatest factor in improving the nat
ural condition of things here. In cities
like Denison, whose population is largely
composed of northerners, so much so that
it is called 9" the Yankee city" we see this
idea illustrated. There growth and de-
velopment, business thrift, city improve
ment and intelligence go hand in hand.
The introduction of other blood into the
arteries OF business, stimulates enter
prize and industry, and in a few years, at
the longest, makes its favorable mark
upon the general public.
Emigration and capital are what is es-
pecially needed here in Texas, and homes
for the million all along the lines of her
railroads, rivers and sea-coast. Time will
bring it about, and another generation,
we trust, will see the clone Star State {"
not only one Of the largest, but one of the
brightest luminaries in the glittering con-
stellation of our beloved Republic.
MARY q. Billings.
Hico, Tenas.